News, notes and reader questions about the San Francisco 49ers

September 19, 2008

Neither Seahawks safety Brian Russell nor 49ers safety Dashon Goldson were fined for notable hits in Sunday's game in Seattle, the NFL announced today. Goldson had an awkward hit on receiver Logan Payne in the first quarter that knocked the receiver out of the game with a torn knee ligament. It was a low hit, but there was nothing overtly illegal about it.

Russell's hit appeared to be more questionable. It came on a scramble by J.T. O'Sullivan. As O'Sullivan slid feet first, Russell appeared to lower his helmet and give the quarterback a late shot to the head. Mike Nolan said after the game that he thought a couple of hits on O'Sullivan could result in fines, including that one.

The only player from the game who was fined was Seattle linebacker Julian Peterson who was hit with a $7,500 fine for taunting. Peterson was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct in the first quarter after sacking O'Sullivan for a 13-yard loss.

********
Goldson (knee) has been taken off the injury report this week but cornerback Donald Strickland will be listed as questionable. Strickland practiced all week but there is still some concern about his sprained MCL. Cornerback Shawntae Spencer already has been ruled out with his own knee injury and there is a concern that he could require surgery and be lost for the season.

This is a tough week for San Francisco to be low on defensive backs. Detroit has two of the best starting receivers in the league in Calvin Johnson and Roy Williams, and the Lions use Shaun McDonald and Mike Furrey extensively as well. Still, if the 49ers can absorb injuries at any position, it's defensive back. They have a dozen on the roster, including return man Allen Rossum. One or two of the following cornerbacks -- Tarell Brown, Reggie Smith and Marcus Hudson -- will see their roles expand this week.

*************
Asked about depth at tackle, Mike Nolan said that either Adam Snyder or Chilo Rachal would be tapped if there is another injury at the position. The team also has the option of elevating Joe Toledo from the practice squad.

*************
Look for linebacker Ahmad Brooks to be activated in coming weeks. Brooks has been playing back up at both "Ted" and "Mike" and his size and athleticism would be an asset on special teams.

***********
The following sign has been added to Candlestick Park. The 49ers installed a plaque commemorating Bill Walsh in the team tunnel last year.

MATTHEW BARROWS

Matt was born in Blacksburg, Va., and attended the University of Virginia. He graduated in 1995, went to Northwestern for a journalism degree a year later, and got his first job at a South Carolina daily in 1997. He joined The Bee as a Metro reporter in 1999 and started covering the 49ers in 2003. His favorite player of all time is Darrell Green.